Traveling in Japan - Busy periods of the year to avoid
When traveling in Japan beware of the Peak Travel Seasons
The average Japanese worker does not have extensive holidays like most western countries and major holiday periods are enjoyed together as one country.
There are scheduled national holiday periods that basically allow the whole country take a holiday simultaneously. So be forewarned, there is usually a mass exodus of travellers from the city to the country and then in the opposite direction. All trains, ferries, airline flights and accommodations, etc. will be close to capacity and reservations completely booked in these holiday periods.
Try to avoid traveling during the periods listed below:
New Year's Holidays
December 27 to January 4 and adjoining weekends.
Golden Week Holiday Season
April 29 to May 5 and adjoining weekends.
OBon Festival
Season -around August 15. OBon can also coincide with O-Chugen, the annual summer gift-giving time.
Also be aware of School Holidays:
Winter Break
From the end of March through the beginning of April and from the end of July through August.
Rainy Season
Approximately lasts for about 1 month, usually from mid June to mid July. The Typhoon season is in September.
